Legitimizing Anti-Semitism

Why anti-Semitism is moving toward the mainstream.

For the first time since the end of World War II, classic anti-Semitic tropes—“the Jews” control the world and are to blame for everything that goes wrong, including the financial crisis; the Jews killed Christian children in order to use the blood to bake Matzo; the Holocaust never happened—are becoming acceptable and legitimate subjects for academic and political discussion. To understand why these absurd and reprehensible views, once reserved for the racist fringes of academia and politics, are now moving closer to the mainstream, consider the attitudes of two men, one an academic, the other a politician, toward those who express or endorse such bigotry. The academic is Professor Brian Leiter. The politician is Ron Paul.

You’ve probably never heard of Leiter. He’s a relatively obscure professor of jurisprudence, who is trying to elevate his profile by publishing a gossipy blog about law school professors. He is a colleague of John Mearsheimer, a prominent and world famous professor at the University of Chicago.

Several months ago Mearsheimer enthusiastically endorsed a book, really a pamphlet, that included all the classic anti-Semitic tropes. It was entitled “The Wandering Who” and written by Gilad Atzmon, a British version of David Duke, who plays the saxophone and has no academic connections. Atzmon writes that we must take “very seriously” the claim that “the Jewish people are trying to control the world.” He calls the recent credit crunch “the Zio punch.” He says “the Holocaust narrative” doesn’t make “historical sense” and expresses doubt that Auschwitz was a death camp. He invites students to accept the “accusations of Jews making Matzo out of young Goyim’s blood.”

Books and pamphlets of this sort are written every day by obscure anti-Semites and published by disreputable presses that specialize in this kind of garbage. No one ever takes notice, except for neo-Nazis around the world who welcome any additions to the literature of hate.

What is remarkable about the publication of this hateful piece of anti-Semitic trash, is that it was enthusiastically endorsed by two prominent American professors, John Mearsheimer and Richard Falk, who urged readers, including students, to read, “reflect upon” and “discuss widely” the themes of Atzmon’s book. Never before has any such book received the imprimatur of such established academics.

I was not shocked by these endorsements, because I knew that both of these academics had previously crossed “red lines,” separating legitimate criticism of Israel from subtle anti-Semitism. Mearsheimer has accused American Jews of dual loyalty, and Falk has repeatedly compared Israel to Nazi Germany. Both were so enthusiastic about Atzmon’s anti-Zionism—he has written that Israel is “worse” than the Nazis—that they were prepared to give him a pass on his classic “blood libel” anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial. No great surprise there.

What was surprising—indeed shocking—was the fact that Mearsheimer’s relatively apolitical colleague, Brian Leiter, rushed to Mearsheimer’s defense. Without bothering even to read Atzmon’s book, Leiter pronounced that Atzmon’s “positions [do not mark him] as an anti-Semite [but rather as] cosmopolitan.” Leiter also certified that Atzmon “does not deny the Holocaust or the gas chambers.” Had Leiter read the book, he could not have made either statement.

Atzmon himself credits “a man who…was an anti-Semite” for “many of [his] insights” and calls himself a “self-hating Jew” who has contempt for “the Jew in me.” If that’s not an admission of anti-Semitism, rather than “cosmopolitanism,” I don’t know what is. As far as the Holocaust is concerned, Atzmon asserts that it is not “an historical narrative.” And as to the gas chambers, he doubts that the “Nazis ran a death factory in Auschwitz-Berkanau.”

Leiter went so far as to condemn those who dared to criticize Mearsheimer for endorsing Atzmon’s book, calling their criticism “hysterical” and not “advance[ing] honest intellectual discourse.” And he defended Mearsheimer’s endorsement as “straight forward.”

The Brian Leiters of the world are an important part of the reason why anti-Semitic tropes are creeping back to legitimacy in academia. His knee-jerk defense of an admitted Jew hater—who, according to Leiter is not a despicable anti-Semite but an acceptable “cosmopolitan”—contributes to the legitimization of anti-Semitism.

The same can be said of Ron Paul, who everyone has heard of. Paul has, according to The New York Times, refused to “disavow” the “support” of “white supremacists, survivalists and anti-Zionists who have rallied behind his candidacy.” (These “anti-Zionists” believe that “Zionists”—Jews—control the world, were responsible for the bombing of the Oklahoma federal building, and caused the economic downturn, because “most of the leaders involved in the federal and international banking system are Jews.”) He allowed his “Ron Paul survival report” to espouse David Duke type racism and anti-Semitism for years during the 1990s, claiming he was unaware that they were being promoted under his name. Edward H. Crane, the founder of the libertarian CATO Institute, has said, “I wish Ron would condemn those fringe things that float around” his campaign, but he refuses to reject the support of these anti-Semites who form a significant part of his base. The New York Times has criticized Paul for his failure to “convincingly repudiate racist remarks that were published under his name for years—or the enthusiastic support he is getting from racist groups,” including those that espouse “anti-Semitism and far right paranoia.”

Even now, Paul continues to accept contributions from Holocaust deniers, from those who blame the Jews for everything and from other bigots, thus lending some degree of legitimacy to their hateful views.

It has been said that “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Leiter and Paul may or may not be good men, but they are guilty of more than merely doing nothing. They are, by their actions, helping to legitimate the oldest of bigotries. Shame on them!

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About the Author

Alan M. Dershowitz is the Felix Frankfurter professor of law at Harvard Law School, served as an attorney in several high-profile court cases, and is a sought-after commentator on the Arab–Israeli conflict. He is the author of some 25 books, including The Case for Israel.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 27

(17)
Beverly Margolis,
August 2, 2015 7:21 PM

Wow!

It constantly puzzles me as to how one of the smallest segments of humanity in the world, the Jews, can control the world. We are a mere 15 million people. That boils down to 0.002% of the world's population!The blood libel, etc are, of course, totally absurd, but those who want to hate us will always hate us. In other words, don't confuse me with facts, my mind can't change.Jew hate has been with us for over 2K years and will probably always exist before Messiah comes.

(16)
Barb,
November 12, 2013 5:58 PM

Ron Paul Supporters

Ron Paul can't afford to antagonize his white supremacist and anti-Semite followers. He only has them and other bigots and right wing extremists supporting him. In my eyes, he's no better than they are.

Esther,
August 4, 2015 9:04 PM

Ron Paul, Freedom & combating antisemitism

I am a Proud Jew AND a Republican activist AND a very enthusiastic Ron Paul supporter. There certainly are some antisemites and other crazies among his supporters. I don't like that. But the man stands for freedom and that is why his supporters love him so much. I just got done reading another article about antisemitism, which tied antisemitism to totalitarianism and the crushing of freedom. That makes Ron Paul one of the best weapons we could ask for against antisemitism. As for the notion that Paul--or any other political candidate--should screen all donors as to whether they have any offensive ideas--how could we function if we did that?

(15)
Anonymous,
January 29, 2012 11:11 AM

mainstream in antisemitism

what is disturbing is the man Atzmon: he surely IS a Jew himself. What devil has got into these Jews who betray their people? The
answer as to whether the death camps abnd gas chambers existed is simple. BOTH are still in situ to be visited, are listed UNESCO sites. anybody who doubts should 1st go and visit the sites. Why should the Germans pay reparations to the handful of survivors if it never existed? There are detailse registers with serial numbers and lists of every deportee per convoy in print, for all to consult, as the Nazis kept detailed records! Where was my Dad for 16 months, he returned with a tatooed number on his arm, having nightmares for the rest of his life? shame on those unamable caracters who deny the experience of an entire people.

(14)
David,
January 23, 2012 7:32 PM

First Things First

No peace without until there is peace within

(13)
Andy,
January 17, 2012 9:52 PM

Dual loyalty at the car wash. A better American and a better Jew

When someone writes dual loyalty is a problem I'm reminded of the movie "Car Wash." A transvestite worker is being harassed by some guy and he/she responds "I'm more man than you'll ever be, and more woman than you'll ever get." Historically, the Jews as a group have contributed greatly to the well being of the USA and to mankind. If ,especially after the holocaust when the nations of the world did nothing to prevent it, Jews are loyal to defending the Jewish State it makes sense to me. If some see Israel's survival as not America's concern it's their right although I think a mistake. For a Jew to think that way, and there are many, seems to me beyond sad.

Michael,
January 20, 2012 5:04 AM

So True....

Andy, Wel-Wll Said. Jews had silently done so much for our great country, the USA and have done because it was right. I will never understand the self hating Jews out there. But the A-Mighty shall judge them.
May G-d bless the USA, Israel and the Jewish people of the world. Also thank you Andy for your sincere comment.

(12)
Barbara,
January 17, 2012 3:55 PM

To think that in this day and age we still have to go thru this bigotry of hatred is so very sad........will it ever end?

Alex,
January 17, 2012 7:35 PM

no

no, it will not end. and there is no such thing as "this day and age". all that will be already was, and nothing is new under the sun. only if we realize that we are not smarter, more ethical or otherwise better than the previous generations, might we have a chance to break out of this viscous cycle

(11)
Abraham L. Seiman,
January 16, 2012 8:38 PM

Alan, I have heard you speak and read some of your books. You are a true libertarian and separate the wheat from the chaff. We must all learn how and where to defend the Constitution by replying to all hateful speeches and other media that legally express their views but, most use every oppotruity to present, forcefully and in media that is viewed by large number of people. Thanks for the "heads up".

(10)
John W. Rosen.,
January 16, 2012 11:41 AM

Ron Paul

Please G-D, that the responsible Republicans disavow this bigot in the up-coming elections, and that Ron Paul is dispatched to the waste bin of history, a place he so richly deserves to inhabit.

Daniel,
January 16, 2012 8:20 PM

Why do you Attack Ron Paul?

Why is it that you are so against Ron Paul? I understand if you disagree with his policies, but he is NOT a bigot. Could you please read my comment below (comment (5)) and respond?

dan,
January 22, 2012 5:24 AM

Well said John!

Couldn't have said it better myself!

(9)
Krimkrim,
January 16, 2012 6:12 AM

appreciate Dershowitz' remarks

I am happy that Alan Dershowitz continues to publish, to challenge, to expose bigotry wherever he sees it. His words ring of truth. I hope that he is safe in his position, and that the anti-Semitism he so devoutly opposes doesn't take his job or threaten his life.

(8)
ruth housman,
January 16, 2012 3:38 AM

the resurgence of anti semitism around the world

there is a body of writing, in the religious spiritual literature of our time that is saying, it's all God, and that our task is to separate the wheat from the chaff, to glean from what is good, what is compassionate, and not about hate, and totally turn away from those things, around the world, acts and speech that are not God. In other words, we must start to make concerted decisions about these hateful voices, that continue to denigrate Jews and others, and those voices that do spout evil and unconscionable views that have nothing to do with reverence, respect, and humanity.
So yes to this article about insidious and obvious forms of anti semitism. It's important to self educate. The world will not change unless people start opening their hearts to what's true, what's just, and what's sacred in what people say to each other. I think if we all used these yardsticks, we'd "stick it to them".

(7)
Herb,
January 16, 2012 1:41 AM

Tom Friedman is part of the problem

Last month, Tom Friedman wrote in the New York Times that the US Congress was bought and sold by the Israel lobby. Thus, Tom Friedman has brought ideals previously the province of Stormfront and other white supremacist groups to the editorial page of the New York Times.

Anonymous,
January 16, 2012 6:35 PM

Part of the problem?

Your comment is another case of not distinguishing criticism of political groups or parties (the statement that US Congress was bought and sold by the Israel lobby, or AIPAC) and anti-semitism (saying US Congress was bought and sold by Jews)...another venue where this shows up is when the current Israeli government is criticized for it's policies (NOT anti-semitism) vs. when the state of Israel as a whole is criticized and viewed as not legitimate...and even this is not necessarily anti-Semitism but this view may be fueled by anti-Semitism, however it may be fueled by an educated opinion on the events leading up to the establishment of Israel...it is important to make these types of distinctions.

(6)
Ilene Richman,
January 15, 2012 10:59 PM

LIES ARE SPREAD BY MUSLIMS AND SOME CHRISTIANS

In Port St. Lucie, Florida, synagogues and stores of Jewish merchants have been desecrated and Anti-Semetic signs have been posted in neighborhoods. Wher is the FBI? These are hate crimes. Where are the St. Lucie police? Hidden from view? Where is Fl. Gov. Scott? He has not been down to even visit St. Lucie. FL. is a terrible state. It does not investigate crimes against Jewish people. This should be published on the air, on TV and radio and written up continuously in the newspapers. I feel as though I am living in Nazi Germany. Is this America?

(5)
Daniel,
January 15, 2012 8:55 PM

Unjust Attacks on Ron Paul

Ron Paul is NOT anti-semitic. Ron Paul is a big follower of Austrian economics, the main people of whom are Jews. There is no hint of anti-semitism in anything Dr. Paul has said. The reason Ron Paul won't disavow his anti-semitic support is because he is a voluntarist and doesn't believe in telling people what to do.
Paul's foreign policy is extremely pro-Israel. He is so pro-Israel he believes we don't have to baby Israel but can instead handle their own problems. A non-interventionist foreign policy is what the Founding Fathers advised. Iran is NOT a nuclear threat. There is no proof they are even working on a weapon. The only way you can say Ron Paul is anti-Israel is if you believe constant war is good for Israel. I am Jewish, and a recent baal teshuva, and there is indeed no contradiction between that and Ron Paul and his message.

Alan S.,
January 16, 2012 9:56 PM

"There is no proof that 'Iran' is even working on a weapon"??????
Really?
Not withstanding the article by Ms. Braverman, I can only respond to you sarcastically. You are obviously a person that does not read legitimate news sources, or you could not make this statement, or any of the other inane comments you made after your comment about Austrian economics. I do not know whether or not Ron Paul is anti-semitic, but giving the reason that he is a "voluntarist" as the reason he won't repudiate obviously anti-semitic writing written under his banner is outrageously ridiculous. Furthermore, stating that constant war is good for Israel equates with the fact that Ron Paul is anti-Israel MAKES NO SENSE. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but you are not entitled to reference false factoids.

(4)
Frank,
January 15, 2012 8:27 PM

WOW! I'd love to be a Jew.If they are capable of everything they're are accused of , they must be a super race. How do I become one? Sign me up.

(3)
Dan,
January 15, 2012 5:26 PM

Academia

Over the years, the entire academic world has steadily moved downwards in every sense of the term. Perhaps this is due to the overwhelming influence of the economic factor in their activities; i.e., studies paid for and thus biased by companies, universities bending over backwards to please major donors, etc. Thus, the fact that anti-Semitism is creeping into the academic world is to be expected as yet another reflection of its diminished status and credibility.

(2)
Anonymous,
January 15, 2012 2:59 PM

Gilad Atzmon should change his name!

At least Gilad Atzmon should have the common decency to change his name! Has he thought of the name Adolf, that might fit him better.
Unfortunately, within so many fringes of Judaism, Jews seem to be their own worst enemy, and it always takes the non-Jewish Jew haters to remind the self-haters who they really are! Gilad Atzmon, whether he believes in the Holocaust or not, would have found out the bitter truth, that he would have gone to the gas chambers no matter how much he hates Jews. He probably needs a good psychiatrist to go back into his childhood. This happens in every generation, and as King Solomon said so wisely, "there is nothing new under the sun."

(1)
Yehuda,
January 15, 2012 8:19 AM

Einstein once said " sad is the time when it is easier to brake an atom than to brake a preconceit", now we see he was right. In my opinion guys like Paul and Leiter are a signal for all jews to know that we are not yet safe at all, but like we say in the hagadaL The Almighty will save us from their hands.

Ayelet,
January 16, 2012 12:52 PM

Isn't that true?

Do American Jews not have dual loyalty? (I assume that refers to loyalty towards both America and Israel.)
(Dear Aish editors, I would love a response to my question from Mr. Dershowitz, either on this forum or privately. Thank you!)

Anonymous,
January 16, 2012 9:59 PM

American Jews do have dual loyalty. Now, please explain how Yehuda's comment makes you ask this question of Mr. Dershowitz?

Isahiah62,
January 19, 2012 8:32 PM

love of your culture/ your family history

do Cubans, Venzuelans, Chinese have dual loyalty? Japanese Americans? Mexican Americans, Puerto Rican ones? IRISH? Germans? POLISH? Swedes? I have seen parades or festivals demonstrating that LOVE and loyalty for all those groups of course hyphenated Americans have love for their HOME nations or their ancestors nations. ONLY JEWS get questioned for it though

I've been striving to get more into spirituality. But it seems that every time I make some progress, I find myself slipping right back to where I started. I'm getting discouraged and feel like a failure. Can you help?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Spiritual slumps are a natural part of spiritual growth. There is a cycle that people go through when at times they feel closer to God and at times more distant. In the words of the Kabbalists, it is "two steps forward and one step back." So although you feel you are slipping, know that this is a natural process. The main thing is to look at your overall progress (over months or years) and be able to see how far you've come!

This is actually God's ingenious way of motivating us further. The sages compare this to teaching a baby how to walk. When the parent is holding on, the baby shrieks with delight and is under the illusion that he knows how to walk. Yet suddenly, when the parent lets go, the child panics, wobbles and may even fall.

At such times when we feel spiritually "down," that is often because God is letting go, giving us the great gift of independence. In some ways, these are the times when we can actually grow the most. For if we can move ourselves just a little bit forward, we truly acquire a level of sanctity that is ours forever.

Here is a practical tool to help pull you out of the doldrums. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about a great principle in spiritual growth: "The external awakens the internal." This means that although we may not experience immediate feelings of closeness to God, eventually, by continuing to conduct ourselves in such a manner, this physical behavior will have an impact on our spiritual selves and will help us succeed. (A similar idea is discussed by psychologists who say: "Smile and you will feel happy.")

That is the power of Torah commandments. Even if we may not feel like giving charity or praying at this particular moment, by having a "mitzvah" obligation to do so, we are in a framework to become inspired. At that point we can infuse that act of charity or prayer with all the meaning and lift it can provide. But if we'd wait until being inspired, we might be waiting a very long time.

May the Almighty bless you with the clarity to see your progress, and may you do so with joy.

In 1940, a boatload 1,600 Jewish immigrants fleeing Hitler's ovens was denied entry into the port of Haifa; the British deported them to the island of Mauritius. At the time, the British had acceded to Arab demands and restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The urgent plight of European Jewry generated an "illegal" immigration movement, but the British were vigilant in denying entry. Some ships, such as the Struma, sunk and their hundreds of passengers killed.

If you seize too much, you are left with nothing. If you take less, you may retain it (Rosh Hashanah 4b).

Sometimes our appetites are insatiable; more accurately, we act as though they were insatiable. The Midrash states that a person may never be satisfied. "If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If he gets two hundred, he wants four hundred" (Koheles Rabbah 1:34). How often have we seen people whose insatiable desire for material wealth resulted in their losing everything, much like the gambler whose constant urge to win results in total loss.

People's bodies are finite, and their actual needs are limited. The endless pursuit for more wealth than they can use is nothing more than an elusive belief that they can live forever (Psalms 49:10).

The one part of us which is indeed infinite is our neshamah (soul), which, being of Divine origin, can crave and achieve infinity and eternity, and such craving is characteristic of spiritual growth.

How strange that we tend to give the body much more than it can possibly handle, and the neshamah so much less than it needs!